Key Points:

• Norovirus is a virus that spreads very easily and quickly and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.
• People of all ages can get norovirus.
• You can help prevent infections by washing your hands, practicing food safety, and taking steps to avoid spreading it to others if you do get sick.

Norovirus (sometimes called stomach flu or stomach bug) is a virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Norovirus spreads very easily and very quickly. People of all ages can get sick from norovirus.

Like other gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) illnesses, norovirus spreads throughout the year, but is most common from November to April. Each year, 19-21 million people get sick and there are about 2,500 reported outbreaks in the United States.

How It Spreads

You can get norovirus by:

• Having direct contact with someone who has norovirus.
• Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and objects and then touching your mouth without washing your hands.

See examples of how norovirus can spread.

Most people with norovirus illness get better in 1 to 3 days. There is no specific medicine that can treat norovirus, but it is important to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious problems. If you, or someone you are caring for, becomes severely dehydrated, contact a healthcare provider.

Prevent Norovirus

Norovirus is very contagious, but there are ways you can prevent it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. It is especially important wash at key times: after using the toilet or changing diapers, before and after eating, and before and after caring for someone who is sick.
• Practice food safety steps to help prevent norovirus. Keep up the healthy habits in your kitchen:  
  • Wash your hands before, during, and after preparing food.
  • Rinse fruits and vegetables well.
  • Keep your kitchen utensils and surfaces clean.
  • Cook oysters and other shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Steps to Take if You Get Norovirus

If you get sick with norovirus, stay hydrated and take steps to stop it from spreading to others.

• Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration and potentially serious health problems. If you, or someone you are caring for, becomes dehydrated, contact a healthcare provider.
• Stay home and away from others while you are sick and for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop. You should also avoid preparing food for others - at home and at work - while you are sick and for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
• Immediately clean and disinfect the entire area around where someone vomits or has diarrhea. You should also wash any clothing or linens that get vomit or poop on them right away. See how to clean and disinfect.

Learn more about norovirus from the CDC. Learn more about keeping your hands clean, food safety, and other important health topics by visiting our website and following us on social media.